By ALESHA CAPONE
THE cello, classical music and concerts are a central part of life for Caroline Springs teenager James Abougelis.
However, when the 16-year-old took part in the 2013 Victorian State Schools Spectacular on the weekend, he performed tunes from contemporary artists including Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Nicki Minaj.
James, who is in Year 11 at Strathmore Secondary College, has been playing the cello for almost a decade.
“I really enjoy it and I want to do it after school as a career,” he said.
“I really love music. It connects with people emotionally in a way that not many things can, and I really enjoy that.
“My absolute favourite to play is classical music. The Baroque period and Bach are among my absolute favourites to play, but the rock side of things does have merit and can be a lot of fun.”
The annual Schools Spectacular at Hisense Arena was designed to give talented students a chance to perform at a large public venue.
The event’s musical director, Chong Lim, is well known from his television appearances on ’Dancing with the Stars’ and ’Australian Idol’.
“The people that are working on this are professionals in their industry and it is fantastic to work with them,” James said.
The young musician said his ultimate ambition was to play with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
He is presently a member of his school’s orchestra, chamber orchestra and choir – plus a strings ensemble called the Young Mozart Quartet.
James also teaches electric guitar at the Caroline Springs School of Music
“It is really great, and it is one of the best things for me, as a musician to pass my knowledge onto the younger students and share their enthusiasm and know it will be carried on by the next generation,” he said.
